Freight demand slowing down

My opinion, get on with a reefer company. People still have to eat regardless of economy. You can haul dry loads in a reefer also.

 

WHERE you live has a huge impact on how much you need to make. Failure to grasp that simple fact marks you as ignorant (as in lacking knowledge, not being stupid).

I live in Yakima, WA. I live in a REAL nice 2-bedroom apartment. The rent is $855 a month. Electricity is roughly $80 per month. I can buy groceries for just me for about $200 a month, meaning bare bones subsistence, I need to be netting more than $1135 per month.

I've also lived in Boston, West LA (CA), Santa Barbara, CA,Paris (France) and Downtown Chicago.

Yakima is WAY cheaper than any of the rest. And yes, I could pay a LOT cheaper rent where I am. I like the amenities. and it's one of the nicest areas in town.

I do really well at 60k per year. LOTS of money in savings. Making the same paycheck in Santa Monica, with the same apartment, I'd be living hand-to-mouth.

It's all about where you live. The costs there determine how much you need to make.

If I lived in east BF, TN, I could probably live the same lifestyle for a lot less. And, not to disparage East BF, TN I might LIKE it there.

Living in East BF WA I can say I LIKE it here. To each there own. But comparing local wages in wildly disparate areas is just stupid. I was set to make $1200 a week for a local 50-hour per week job here and I jumped all over it. In Santa Monica I wouldn't have looked twice.

 

True, but some people here dont understand the differance in a livable wage and a comfortable wage. To say 50k is not livable is insane. May not be comfortable some places, but can survive. My wife, my son and I lived on 35k a year for a few years in the chicago area, we made it just fine

 

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Totally agree. I can't speak for anyone's wage, for the most part. Less than 50k gross seems like slave wages to me for OTR, no matter WHERE you live.

We just do too much, for too many hours to not make AT LEAST that much.

But what you're willing to work for is YOUR business, not mine.

I just hope you're making the best out of that CDL, your driving record and your experience. Good Luck!

 

I could make more money, but I have 2 young kids now, so I would rather be home more than make more money. 50k is ok for me. But that's my choice. Everyone has a differant life and differant priorities.

 

And that's a real factor.

Like I said, we all make choices. I know guys that work for a LOT less than 50k in your situation. Personally, I think they're nutso. Not enough money vs. obligation, vs. hometime to be worth it.

But hey, they're my friends. If they're happy, I'm happy. Not my business. I will say this: It takes a very special kind of woman to deal with all our away time. Kudos to them. Because THEY are the ones who keep it all together.

 

You got to put into prospective personal situations can make it hard for someone to up and move. Some people cannot find the right work or job openings in certain areas. For example, since I am going for forensic psychology I cannot obtain a job in most states until I have masters or PhD. Therefore, I have to look into what the area requires for me in my field. Doctors for medical conditions etc.

 

theres a rumor Amazon may start its only transport division , beginning in a closed LGSTX warehouse in Ohio.....google...." amazon transport ohio"

 

They already have their own cargo vans running around the chicago area. Havent seen any big trucks yet.

 

I didnt necessarly mean long distance move. My comment was more for prople who insist on living in downtown areas or upscale neighborhoods then complain about the cost. Most cities have neighborhoods either within the city or the suburbs that are a lot less expensive but still safe with good schools and things, but might not have all the amenaties or the right zip code people want, or a longer commute.